Frank S. DiStefano

Frank S. DiStefano, 79, passed away after a valiant battle with cancer on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was predeceased by his parents, Stefano and Grazia DiStefano; brother and sister-in-law, Dominick and Jean DiStefano; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Arthur and Mary Testani; sister-in-law, Angeline Schleider; brother-in-law, Quirino Testani; nephew, Robert John Testani. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Anna Marie (Testani) DiStefano, Binghamton; his children, Dina and Robert Hartung, Endwell; Steven DiStefano, Endicott; Frances and Aaron Kaminsky, Vestal; 7 adoring grandchildren, Adriana, Lauren, and Mia Hartung; Ryan and Nicholas DiStefano; Alexander and James Frank Kaminsky; brother and sister-in-law, S. John (Barney) and Evelyn DiStefano; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Francis Kochis; Richard and Betty Testani; Nicholas and JoAnne Testani; Anthony and Marjorie Testani; Arthur and Josephine Testani; Barbara and Anthony Fiala; many nieces, nephews and friends who he was very fond of. Frank was a proud graduate of the University of South Carolina and the State University of NY at Albany. He began his teaching career at Christopher Columbus School and continued to teach at MacArthur School. After leaving the Binghamton schools, he taught at Broome Community College, served as Coordinator of Continuing Education, served on the Athletic Board of Control and retired in 1996 as a full professor. He also served on the Town of Dickinson Planning Board for many years. Frank was a strong man who valued faith, family and education. If you were a friend of Frank’s, his wife, or his children you were welcomed into his life and he engaged you in conversation like you were sitting around his dining room table. Our dad taught us to embrace our chosen calling to public education with pride and integrity; to love and respect those students who sat before us as we would love and respect our own children. He taught us to never compromise our beliefs or the values he instilled in us. Our dad was always behind us providing us with strength, comfort and support. He taught us so much, but perhaps, the most important lesson was his final one – teaching us how to live and die with dignity, surrounded by those you love.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at 9:30 AM in St. Mary of the Assumption Church. Entombment will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Calling hours will be at the James V. DeMarco & Son Funeral Home, 737 Chenango Street, Port Dickinson on Friday from 4 – 7 PM. Please consider memorial contributions in Frank’s name to the BCC Foundation, PO Box 1017, Binghamton, NY 13902-1017. The family would like to thank Dr. Louis Weiner of the Lombardi Cancer Center of Georgetown University and Doctors Yalamanchili, McCarville, Rai, Khan and the staff at Lourdes ICU, PCU, Seton I, Broome Oncology, and Broome Ambulance Squad who provided Frank with hope and compassion.